Summer for Deux – 7 Outdoor Date Ideas in Williamsburg

Published on:

July 1, 2021

Written by:

Leah Bandoni

I’m so excited to share eight perfect outdoor dates in Williamsburg! Each of these activities is an absolute blast. This list will keep you busy all summer.

Date Idea #1: Sweethaven Lavender Farm

About 20 minutes from downtown Williamsburg, Sweethaven Lavender Farm is a tranquil oasis. Upon arrival, your first stop is the Check-in Cottage for U-pick bouquet tools and instructions. The fields are filled with 15 varieties of fragrant and colorful lavender – culinary and perfume cultivars – which are in peak bloom from May to July. Once done exploring the fields, inhaling the gorgeous aromas, and picking your bouquet, head over to the Mercantile, where they will wrap your bouquet and provide instructions for how to dry it (store upside down in a dark place for two weeks). The shop is filled with lavender goodies, including soap, baking mixes and extracts, candles, bath salts and an organic skincare line created on–property. You also can order lavender ice cream, custard, or baked goods, and be sure not to miss the fresh lavender lemonade! We opted for a picnic lunch provided by Sweethaven, but you can also bring your own. We enjoyed sandwiches, fruit, lavender brownies, and lavender lemonade at one of the many picnic tables on the property. Such a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon!

Date Idea #2: Patriot Tours & Provisions - Segway Tour

Explore Historic Yorktown via Segway with Patriot Tours & Provisions, the ultimate outdoor date. There are two options: the one-hour “Breeze” tour, which takes you along the beautiful York River and through the historic village, OR the two-hour “Historical” tour that covers basic history of the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil War periods. You’ll get a quick lesson on how to ride before taking off with the group. I was nervous at first, but riding is really simple and super fun once you relax and get the hang of it! We did the “Breeze” tour and thoroughly enjoyed riding along the riverfront and up to the bluffs overlooking the river. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and we learned a lot about the area, including all about the last major battle of the American Revolution, the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.

Date Idea #3: Ben & Jerry’s and Green Mountain Coffee Cafe

Water Street in Yorktown is the quintessential place for a mid-afternoon or after dinner date. Ben & Jerry’s has a selection of 30 ice cream flavors to choose from, plus sundaes, milkshakes, waffle bowls, and cones. Green Mountain Coffee Cafe offers espresso, lattes, and other specialty drinks, featuring their organically grown and freshly ground coffee. If you’ve only had Ben & Jerry’s from grocery store pints, you are in for a real treat! It’s so much better direct from the creamery. Grab a coffee or ice cream and sit outside, looking out at the bustling waterfront, people watching and checking out the sailboats as they glide by.

Date Idea #4: Williamsburg Farmers Market

Open from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays from April until December, the Williamsburg Farmers Market is ideal for a weekend date. With 50+ vendors, the market has something for everyone. There’s plenty of local fruits, vegetables, cheese, honey, and bread, in addition to coffee, pastries, and fresh-pressed juice. You can also pick-up fresh cut flowers, plants, kombucha, tea, and cider. Snag a bag for all of your goodies at the information tent, then grab a coffee, and explore the market.

Date Idea #5: Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

With two award-winning 18-hole miniature golf courses to choose from, Pirate’s Cove is great for an afternoon adventure date. If you’re competitive like Tristan and I, you’ll thoroughly enjoy meandering through the mountain caves and waterfalls, trying to beat each other’s score.

Date Idea #6: Go-Karts Plus

Channel your inner NASCAR driver at Go-Karts Plus! Not only are there four go-kart tracks to drive, but there’s also an arcade, bumper cars, blaster boats, miniature golf course, gemstone panning, and more fun rides. Jump into a go-kart and ride the Indy, Figure 8, Euro, or Rookie track. The Rookie track with smaller go-karts is perfect for younger kids and the Figure 8 track will make you feel like you’ve entered a NASCAR race! After a few spins around the track, hit the arcade to win prizes, and grab a bite at the snack bar.

Date Idea #7: Two Drummers Smokehouse

Off the beaten path, in Toano, you’ll find Two Drummers Smokehouse, serving some of the BEST BBQ I’ve ever eaten. They serve lunch and dinner with an extensive menu of brisket burnt ends, Brunswick stew, smoky wings, cherry-smoked pork, and spice-rubbed ribs. If you aren’t feeling like BBQ, they offer plenty of burgers and salads options to choose from, as well. Be sure to save room for dessert; there’s peanut brittle cheesecake, bread pudding, pecan pie, and chocolate layer cake.

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